30.4.17

We are used now to hyperbole in the media. Victorian journalism was more restrained. Here's how The Athletic News introduced the England team who faced Scotland on 5th March 1876:

The following constitute the English team:

A.H Savage, Crystal Palace (goal): He is a very good
goal keeper and a powerful kick.

* A
H Stratford, Wanderers (back):
Can play forward or back, plays well as a full back, being a good and strong
tackler.E. Field, Clapham Rovers (back): A first rate back.

E.H Bambridge, Swifts (half back): Is a very useful
forward as well, especially at the wings, keeps the ball when he gets possession
of it, and is happy as a goal keeper.

B.G Jarrett, Cambridge University (half back): A real
good player, and has shown good form this year.

Hubert Heron, Wanderers: As a
wing player is very useful, and at times brilliant, is fast aside, dribbles skilfully,
used to be a little selfish in his style of play, but of late very much
improved in this respect; played in the International matches, 1873, 1874 and
1875.

28.4.17

José Manuel Soares, known as Pepe was an inside forward who played 14 times for Portugal (including 2 as a substitute), scoring 7 goals. He made 3 appearances at the 1928 Olympics.Pepe's debut for his club Belenenses (against Benfica on 28th February,1926) was the stuff of legend.
Pepe came on in the 75th minute with Benfica leading 4-1. In the next 13 minutes, Belenenses scored three goals. When Belenenses were awarded a 90th minute penalty Pepe was ordered to take it as there were no volunteers. He scored to make it 5-4. Pepe made his international debut at the age of 19 (16.03.27).He died of food poisoning at the age of 23.